Phenobarbital to manage severe gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal: A case series.

This case series suggests that phenobarbital for the management of benzodiazepine-resistant GHB withdrawal can be safe, even in general inpatient settings, and may avert the progression of delirium. Most data on the management of GHB withdrawal comes from case reports or series, such as this one. This highlights the need for prospective trials to establish an evidence base for therapeutic approaches, including validated measures of withdrawal severity and more information relating to the safe and effective dosing of phenobarbital.